Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program

What's New

On February 13, 2019, FTA announced FY2018 project selections totaling $5 million to American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments. The grants will support 36 projects in 14 states.

Program Overview

Section 5311(j) of the FAST Act, Public Law 114-94 (December 4, 2015), authorizes the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)) for Fiscal Years (FY) 2016-2020. The TTP continues to be a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program but now consists of a $30 million formula program and a $5 million competitive grant program subject to the availability of appropriations. A 10-percent local match is required under the competitive program, however, there is no local match required under the formula program.

On July 11, 2018, FTA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $5 million in fiscal year 2018 competitive grant funding for the Tribal Transit Program. Project proposals were due September 10.

Eligible Recipients

Only federally recognized tribes are eligible recipients under the Tribal Transit Program. However, tribes which are not federally recognized remain eligible to apply to the state as a subrecipient for funding under the State's apportionment.

Eligible Activities

Federally recognized tribes may use the funding for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural tribal communities. Examples of eligible activities include: capital projects; operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation; and the acquisition of public transportation services, including service agreements with private providers of public transportation services. A description of eligible activities can also be found in the May 9, 2013 Notice of Funding Availability: Solicitation of Grant Applications for FY 2013 Tribal Transit Program Funds; and Responses to the November 9, 2012 Solicitation of Comments Federal Register Notice.

Webinars & Training

Coordination with Federal Programs

FTA’s Tribal Transit Program allows grantees to coordinate and assist in regularly providing meal delivery service for homebound individuals, if the delivery service does not conflict with providing public transportation service or reduce service to public transportation passengers. Learn more about the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM).